Aromatherapy Vaporization Device

ABSTRACT

A novel herbal vaporization device (HVD) and method is disclosed. The HVD includes a recharging unit for storing therein of a vaporization unit having a heating chamber disposed at a first end thereof for receiving of loose leaf herbal material and for providing of heat thereto, the vaporization unit comprising a second end disposed opposite the first end with a fluid pathway between the two ends. In a first mode of operation the vaporization unit is for being recharged from the recharging unit and in a second mode of operation the vaporization unit is for use in vaporizing of loose leaf herbal material inserted into the heating chamber for having at least partially vaporized loose leaf herbal material and ambient air to flow through the fluid pathway.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a Continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.14/829,660 filed Aug. 19, 2015, which claims the benefit of UnitedStates Provisional Application No. 62/038,863 filed on Aug. 19, 2014,the disclosures of each of which are incorporated herein by reference intheir entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The technical field relates to a device for vaporization of phytomaterials and more specifically to a device for aromatherapyvaporization.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Aromatherapy generally uses essential oils, which are extracted fromphyto materials, such as leaves of plants, for therapeutic benefits.These essential oils are either massaged into the skin or can beinhaled. In some cases the phyto materials are heated in order toreleased the essential oils therefrom. By heating these phyto materialsat predetermined temperatures, essential oils and extracts are boiledoff, depending upon the temperature at which these phyto materials areheated, an aroma or vapor is given off, which is then inhaled by a userfor its therapeutic benefits. Devices that provide such operation aregenerally known as vaporizers. Different phyto materials release vaporsat different temperatures. Some release vapors at 120 degrees Celsius,whereas others at 220 degrees Celsius. Ideally the predeterminedtemperature is less than a combustion temperature of the phyto materialor loose leaf material.

Many herbal vaporization devices on the market utilize a heating chamberin order to heat herbal leaf material in order to vaporize its contentsso that desired oils and other flavor materials can be separated fromthe leaf material in order to be consumed by a user of the device in avaporized form.

Unfortunately, many of these herbal vaporization devices have longheating times as well as leave the herbal material in contact with theheating chamber of an oven for a prolonged period of time, which mayreduce the potency of the vaporization of the desired extracts from theloose leaf herbal materials.

Furthermore, battery life is also important in portable based vaporizersbecause in some cases users may demand to utilize them over the courseof an 8 h day and in some cases if the battery life is too short, thenthe device will lose its power before the demands of the consumer aremet.

Additionally, many vaporization devices on the market utilizeproprietary recharging connections, which may not readily be availablewhen on the go. There are also many vaporization devices that utilizenon controlled heating of the herbal materials and as a result cause theherbal material to be combusted versus being vaporizer, not to mentionthat many of these devices are quite bulky in size.

It is therefore an object of the invention to provide an aromatherapyvaporization device that overcomes the aforementioned deficiencies.

SUMMARY

In accordance with the embodiments of the invention there is provided aherbal vaporization device comprising: a recharging unit for storingtherein of a vaporization unit comprising a first housing comprising aheating chamber disposed at a first end thereof for receiving of looseleaf herbal material and for providing of heat thereto, the vaporizationunit comprising a second end disposed opposite the first end; aconductive heating element disposed proximate the heating chamber at thefirst end for heating of the loose leaf herbal material for at leastpartial vaporization thereof; a first battery at least partiallydisposed within the first housing; a first control circuit coupled withthe first battery and the conductive heating element, the first controlcircuit for controlling the flow of electrical current from the firstbattery to the conductive heating element; a first battery firstrecharging contact coupled with the first control circuit and a firstbattery second recharging contact coupled with the first controlcircuit, wherein the first and second battery recharging contacts andprotrude past the first housing; a switch coupled with the first controlcircuit for providing a control signal to the first control circuit foraffecting the flow of electrical current from the first battery to theconductive heating element; a fluid pathway extending through thehousing from the first end to the second end and fluidly coupled withthe heating chamber that places the fluid pathway in fluid communicationwith an outside environment and for allowing of the at least partiallyvaporized loose leaf herbal material and ambient air to flow thereinfrom proximate the first end to the second end; the recharging unitcomprising a second housing for receiving at least partially therein thevaporization unit, the recharging unit having disposed therein a secondbattery having a larger capacity than the first battery and coupled witha second control circuit and coupled with a recharging port, therecharging port for receiving of electrical energy for recharging of thesecond battery from an external source; a charging port coupled with thesecond control circuit for in a first mode of operation for beingcoupled with the first battery first recharging contact and the firstbattery second recharging contact for providing of electrical energyfrom the second battery to the first battery in a controllable mannerand for in a second mode of operation for uncoupling of the firstbattery first recharging contact and the first battery second rechargingcontact from the charging port, the first and second battery rechargingcontacts being disposed within the second housing when providing ofelectrical energy from the second battery to the first battery, whereinin the second mode of operation upon depressing of the switch,electrical current from the first battery is controllably provided tothe conductive heating element and the loose leaf herbal material withinthe heating chamber is heated by the conductive heating element andwhere upon creating a low pressure proximate the second end, a lowerpressure is created in the fluid pathway and ambient air at a higherpressure flows into the heating chamber and propagates through the looseleaf herbal material and vapor emitted from conductive heating of theloose leaf herbal material is mixed with the ambient air and togetherflows out of the second end.

In accordance with the embodiments of the invention there is provided aherbal vaporization device comprising: a recharging unit for storingtherein of a vaporization unit comprising a first housing comprising aheating chamber disposed at a first end thereof for receiving of looseleaf herbal material and for providing of heat thereto, the vaporizationunit comprising a second end disposed opposite the first end; aconductive heating element disposed proximate the heating chamber at thefirst end for heating of the loose leaf herbal material for at leastpartial vaporization thereof; a first battery at least partiallydisposed within the first housing; a first control circuit coupled withthe first and the conductive heating element, the first control circuitfor controlling the flow of electrical current from the first battery tothe conductive heating element; a first battery first recharging contactcoupled with the first control circuit and a first battery secondrecharging contact coupled with the first control circuit, wherein thefirst and second battery recharging contacts protrude past the firsthousing; a switch coupled with the first control circuit for providing acontrol signal to the first control circuit for affecting the flow ofelectrical current from the first battery to the conductive heatingelement; a fluid pathway extending through the housing from the firstend to the second end and fluidly coupled with the heating chamber thatplaces the fluid pathway in fluid communication with an outsideenvironment and for allowing of the at least partially vaporized looseleaf herbal material and ambient air to flow therein from proximate thefirst end to the second end; a central plane axially propagating fromthe first end to the second end of the first housing of the vaporizationunit, the central plane being disposed equally within a geometric centerof first housing, wherein the fluid pathway is offset from the centralplane and the heating chamber comprises an aperture that is fluidlycoupled with the heating chamber and offset from the central plane, therecharging unit comprising a second housing for receiving at leastpartially therein the vaporization unit, the recharging unit havingdisposed therein a second battery having a larger capacity than thefirst battery and coupled with a second control circuit and coupled witha recharging port, the recharging port for receiving of electricalenergy for recharging of the second battery; a charging port coupledwith the second control circuit for in a first mode of operation forbeing coupled with the first battery first recharging contact and thefirst battery second recharging contact for providing of electricalenergy from the second battery to the first battery in a controllablemanner and for in a second mode of operation for uncoupling of the firstbattery first recharging contact and the first battery second rechargingcontact from the charging port, the first and second battery rechargingcontacts being disposed within the second housing when providing ofelectrical energy from the second battery to the first battery, whereinin the second mode of operation upon depressing of the switch,electrical current from the first battery is controllably provided tothe conductive heating element and the loose leaf herbal material withinthe heating chamber is heated by the conductive heating element andwhere upon creating a low pressure proximate the second end, a lowpressure is created in the fluid pathway and ambient air at a higherpressure flows into the heating chamber and propagates through the looseleaf herbal material and vapor emitted from conductive heating of theloose leaf herbal material is mixed with the ambient air and togetherflows out of the second end.

In accordance with the embodiments of the invention there is provided amethod of vaporizing herbal material comprising: a first mode ofoperation and a second mode of operation; providing a recharging unitcomprising a second housing and having disposed therein a second batteryhaving a second capacity and coupled with a second control circuit;providing a vaporization unit comprising a housing having at leastpartially embedded therein a first battery having a first capacity, thevaporization unit comprising a heating chamber disposed at a first endfor receiving of loose leaf herbal material and having a second end witha fluid pathway extending from the first end to the second end thereof;providing a conductive heating element disposed in proximity of theheating chamber proximate the first end; inserting of loose leaf herbalmaterial into the heating chamber; in the first mode of operation,electrically coupling of the first battery with the second controlcircuit; providing of electrical energy from the second battery to thefirst battery; in the second mode of operation, electrically uncouplingof the first battery from the second control circuit and physicallyuncoupling of the vaporization unit from the recharging unit; providingof electrical energy from the first battery to the conductive heatingelement in a controllable manner; heating of the loose leaf herbalmaterial to generate vapor therefrom; inhaling from the second end ofthe fluid pathway; creating a reduction in ambient air pressure withinthe fluid pathway; creating a flow of ambient air to flow past the looseleaf herbal material and mixing with vapor generated as a result of theconductive heating to flow through the fluid pathway; inhaling a mixtureof vaporized loose leaf material and ambient air from the second end;removing the loose leaf herbal material from the heating chamber;re-coupling electrically of the first battery with the second controlcircuit; in the first mode of operation, recharging of the first batteryfrom electrical current controllably provided by the second batterythrough the second control circuit.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A illustrates a preferred embodiment of the invention, a herbalvaporization device (HVD) in accordance with the preferred embodiment ofthe invention;

FIG. 1B illustrates a vaporization unit as part of the HVD in moredetail in a cutaway view;

FIG. 1C illustrates the vaporization unit as part of the HVD in aperspective view;

FIG. 1D illustrates an optional storage compartment as part of therecharging unit as well as a detachable cleaning tool;

FIG. 1E illustrates an alternate embodiment of the vaporization unitshowing a ceramic heating element having an annular shape;

FIG. 2A illustrates a heating chamber and conductive heating elementfrom a perspective rear view;

FIG. 2B illustrates a heating chamber and conductive heating elementfrom a cutaway view;

FIG. 2C illustrates a vaporization unit in accordance with anotherembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2D illustrates a heating chamber and conductive heating elementfrom a front perspective view; and,

FIG. 2E illustrates the vaporization unit in accordance with anotherembodiment of the invention having a housing removed.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1A illustrates a preferred embodiment of the invention, a herbalvaporization device (HVD) 100 in accordance with the preferredembodiment of the invention. The HVD 100 is formed from a rechargingunit 110 for storing therein of a vaporization unit 421 having a firsthousing 101 and having a heating chamber 102 disposed at a first endthereof 101 a for receiving of loose leaf herbal material 419 and forproviding of heat thereto. The vaporization unit 421 comprising a secondend 101 b disposed opposite the first end 101 a.

Referring to FIG. 1B, a conductive heating element 103 disposedproximate the heating chamber 102 at the first end 101 a for heating ofthe loose leaf herbal material for at least partial vaporizationthereof. A first battery 104 is at least partially disposed within thefirst housing 101 of the vaporization unit 421. A first control circuit105 is coupled with the first battery 104 and the heating element 103,the first control circuit 105 for controlling the flow of electricalcurrent from the first battery 104 to the heating element 103. A firstbattery first recharging contact 106 is electrically coupled with thefirst control circuit 105 and a first battery second recharging contact107 is electrically coupled with the first control circuit 105, whereinthe first and second battery recharging contacts 106 and 107 protrudepast the first housing 101.

A switch 108 is electrically coupled with the first control circuit 105for providing a control signal to the first control circuit 105 foraffecting the flow of electrical current from the first battery 104 tothe conductive heating element 103. A fluid pathway 109 extends throughthe housing 101 of the vaporization unit 421 from the first end 101 a tothe second end 101 b and is fluidly coupled with the heating chamber 102that places the fluid pathway 109 in fluid communication with an outsideenvironment and for allowing of the at least partially vaporized looseleaf herbal material 422 to flow therein from proximate the first end101 a to the second end 101 b.

Referring to FIG. 1A, the recharging unit 110 comprising a secondhousing 114 for receiving at least partially therein the vaporizationunit 421, the recharging unit 110 having disposed therein a secondbattery 111 having a larger capacity than the first battery and coupledwith a second control circuit 112 and coupled with a recharging port113, the recharging port 113 for receiving of electrical energy from anexternal source (not shown) for recharging of the second battery 111.The external source (not shown) is preferably in the form of a powersource, such as a 5 W and 5V USB power supply.

A charging port 115 is electrically coupled with the second controlcircuit 112 for in a first mode of operation for being coupled with thefirst battery first recharging contact 106 and the first battery secondrecharging contact 107 for providing of electrical energy from thesecond battery 111 to the first battery 104 in a controllable manner andfor in a second mode of operation for uncoupling of the first batteryfirst recharging contact 106 and the first battery second rechargingcontact 107 from the charging port 115, the first and second batteryrecharging contacts 106, 107 being disposed within the second housing114 when providing of electrical energy from the second battery 111 tothe first battery 104 during the first mode of operation. In the secondmode of operation the recharging unit 110 is separated from thevaporization unit 421.

Referring to FIG. 1B, where the vaporization unit 421 is shown in moredetail in a cutaway view, loose leaf herbal material 419, the loose leafherbal material 419 being derived from a phyto material or tobacco, isinserted into the heating chamber and wherein in the second mode ofoperation upon depressing of the switch 108, electrical current from thefirst battery 104 is controllably provided to the conductive heatingelement 103 and the loose leaf herbal material 419 within the heatingchamber is heated by the conductive heating element 103 and where uponcreating a lower pressure proximate the second end 101 b, such as thatby an inhalation of a user, a low pressure is created in the fluidpathway 109 and ambient air 555 at a higher pressure flows into theheating chamber 102 and propagates through the loose leaf herbalmaterial 419 and vapor 422 emitted from conductive heating of the looseleaf herbal material is mixed with the ambient air and together flowsout of the second end 101 b. A heating chamber aperture 102 a fluidlycouples the heating chamber 102 to the fluid pathway 109.

Advantageously, the first battery 104 is therefore a small battery andsmaller in capacity than the second battery 111, for example the firstbattery is about 300 mAh to 750 mAh and the second battery has acapacity of about 3000 mAh. This allows for the vaporization unit 421 tobe relatively small, such as that of a pen. This type of assemblyadvantageously allows for the first battery 104 to be charged when thevaporization unit 421 has preferably a portion thereof disposed withinthe recharging unit 110 and the first battery first recharging contact106 is coupled with the first control circuit 105 and a first batterysecond recharging contact 107 coupled with the first control circuit105.

Referring to FIG. 1C, the vaporization unit 421 is shown in perspective,where the first battery first recharging contact 106 and first batterysecond recharging contact 107 protrude past the housing 101 andsubstantially wrap around the housing 101 where preferably the housing101 is cylindrical in shape.

Referring to FIG. 1B, in use, when the loose-leaf material is vaporized,the vapor 422 is for flowing from the first end 101 a to the second end101 b where preferably the user has their lips on this end to suck inthe vapor being emitted. Once the loose-leaf material has been utilizedthen it is tapped out from the heating chamber 102 and new material isinserted. Recharging of the first battery 104 will be preferred after afew uses of the vaporization unit 421. In this embodiment the conductiveheating element 103 comprises a metallic material and is thermallycoupled with an inner surface of the heating chamber 102. Preferably thefluid pathway 109 comprises a thermally conductive material and allowsfor cooling of the vapor emitted 422 from conductive heating of theloose leaf herbal material 419 and ambient air 555 propagatingtherethrough.

Referring to FIG. 1D, an optional storage compartment 418 is provided aspart of the recharging unit 110 as well as a detachable cleaning tool117 for cleaning of the heating chamber 102. The second control circuit112 is electrically coupled with the first battery first rechargingcontact 106 using a first spring contact 206 and a first battery secondrecharging contact 107 is electrically coupled with the first controlcircuit 105 through a second spring contact 207.

The optional storage compartment 418 is for storing of the loose leafherbal material 419. The heating chamber 102 is thereafter inserted intothe optional storage compartment 418 and the loose leaf herbal material419 is forcefully pushed into the heating chamber 102. The cleaning tool117 is removed from the recharging unit 110 and used for picking at theloose leaf herbal material 419 once the material has been at leastpartially vaporized within the heating chamber 102.

Referring to FIG. 1E, an alternate embodiment of the vaporization unit421 is shown. It comprises a housing with the heating chamber 402disposed at a first end 401 a for receiving of loose leaf herbalmaterial 419 for providing of heat thereto. In this case the conductiveheating element 403 is disposed proximate the heating chamber 402wherein a screen mesh 116 is disposed between the conductive heatingelement 403 and the loose leaf herbal material 419. The screen mesh 116comprising a first side 116 a for being in contact with the lose leafherbal material 419 and a second side 116 b for being in contact withthe conductive heating element 403, wherein heat emitted from theconductive heating element 403 heats up the screen mesh 116 and heats upthe loose leaf herbal material 419 and ambient air 555 and vapor 422emitted from conductive heating of the loose leaf herbal material 419propagates through the screen mesh 116.

In this embodiment the conductive heating element 403 is disposed withinthe heating chamber 402 and the heating chamber is manufactured fromother them a metallic material, such as a ceramic material. Preferablythe screen mesh 116 comprises a metal material and allows for heating ofthe screen mesh 116 through the conductive heating element 403. Theconductive heating element 403 is disposed within the heating chamber402.

Referring to FIG. 1E, the conductive heating element 403 is in the formof a ceramic heating element having an annular shape with a center ofthe ceramic heating element forming an aperture 403 a and being in fluidcommunication with the fluid pathway 109 and for allowing of ambient air555 and vapor 422 emitted from conductive heating of the loose leafherbal material to flow together through the aperture 403 a of theannular shape ceramic heating element.

Preferably in order to effectively reduce heat generated fromvaporization of the loose leaf herbal material 419, the fluid pathway109 is thermally conductive and has an ability to transfer heat acrossthe material at a generally high rate. Preferably the fluid pathway 109is made from a metal, such as aluminum or copper. Optionally the fluidpathway 109 is made from conductive polymers, composites, or othermetallic-based materials with thermally conductive properties. As theambient air 555 is directed through the loose leaf herbal material 419proximate the first end 101 a and propagates with the ambient airthrough the fluid pathway 109 extending through the housing 101 from thefirst end 101 a to the second end 101 b, where it is subsequentlyinhaled by a user, a temperature thereof has been reduced to a rangethat is safe and comfortable for the user to inhale.

Referring to FIGS. 2C and 2D a vaporization unit 521 in accordance withanother embodiment of the invention is shown. This herbal vaporizationdevice is formed from a recharging unit 110 (see FIG. 1A) and thevaporization unit 521 of FIGS. 2C and 2D. The recharging unit 110 (seeFIG. 1A) is for storing therein at least partially the vaporization unit521 comprising a first housing 501 comprising a heating chamber 502disposed at a first end thereof 501 a for receiving of loose leaf herbalmaterial 419 and for providing of heat thereto, the vaporization unit521 comprising a second end 501 b disposed opposite the first end 501 a.The vaporization unit 521 does not tether to the recharging unit 110 andcouples directly therewith, therefore allowing for a more compact HVD100 and provides for improved ease of use.

A conductive heating element 503 is disposed proximate the heatingchamber 502 at the first end 501 a for heating of the loose leaf herbalmaterial 419 for at least partial vaporization thereof. A first battery104 is at least partially disposed within the first housing 501 and afirst control circuit 105 is coupled with the first battery 104 and theconductive heating element 503, the first control circuit 105 forcontrolling the flow of electrical current from the first battery 104 tothe conductive heating element 503.

Referring to FIGS. 1A and 2C, a first battery first recharging contact106 coupled with the first control circuit 105 and a first batterysecond recharging contact 107 coupled with the first control circuit105, wherein the first and second battery recharging contacts 106 and107 protrude past the first housing 501. A switch 108 is coupled withthe first control circuit 105 for providing a control signal to thefirst control circuit 105 for affecting the flow of electrical currentfrom the first battery 104 to the conductive heating element 503 (FIGS.2A, 2B and 2D).

Referring to FIG. 2E, a fluid pathway 509 extends through the housing501 (shown in FIG. 2C) from the first end 501 a to the second end 501 band fluidly coupled with the heating chamber 502 that places the fluidpathway 509 in fluid communication with an outside environment and forallowing of the at least partially vaporized loose leaf herbal material419 and ambient air 555 to flow therein from proximate the first end 501a to the second end 501 b.

A central plane 888 axially propagates from the first end 501 a to thesecond end 501 b of the first housing 501 of the vaporization unit 521,the central plane 888 being disposed equally within a geometric centerof first housing 501, wherein the fluid pathway 509 (FIG. 2E) is offsetfrom the central plane 888 and the heating chamber 502 comprises anaperture 502 a (FIG. 2A) that is fluidly coupled with the heatingchamber 502 and offset from the central plane 888.

Referring to FIG. 1A in combination with FIG. 2C, the recharging unit110 comprising a second housing 114 for receiving at least partiallytherein the vaporization unit 521, the recharging unit 110 havingdisposed therein a second battery 111 having a larger capacity than thefirst battery 104 and coupled with a second control circuit 112 andcoupled with a recharging port 113, the recharging port 113 forreceiving of electrical energy for recharging of the second battery 111.

In the second mode of operation upon depressing of the switch 108,electrical current from the first battery 104 is controllably providedto the conductive heating element 503 and the loose leaf herbal material419 within the heating chamber 502 (FIG. 2B) is heated by the conductiveheating element 503 and where upon creating a low pressure proximate thesecond end 501 b, a lower pressure is created in the fluid pathway 509and ambient air at a higher pressure flows into the heating chamber 502and propagates through the loose leaf herbal material 419 and vaporemitted from conductive heating of the loose leaf herbal material 419 ismixed with the ambient air and together flows out of the second end 501b.

Referring to FIG. 2E, the vaporization unit 521 comprise a first portion588 and a second portion 599, wherein the first portion 588 and secondportion 589 are separated by the central plane 888 and the first portion588 comprises the switch 108 and the fluid pathway 509 wherein thesecond portion 599 comprises the first battery 104.

Referring to FIG. 2E, the first portion 588 comprises the fluid pathway509 and the heating chamber 502 comprises the aperture 502 a that isfluidly coupled with the heating chamber 502, wherein in use, in thesecond mode of operation the central plane 888 is oriented with thefirst end 501 a closer relative to ground than the second end 501 b(FIG. 2C) where a partial amount of vapor emitted from conductiveheating of the loose leaf herbal material 419 rises from the secondportion 589 to the first portion 588 for flowing through the aperture502 a and into the fluid pathway 509. Because the vapor emitted from theconductive heating of the loose leaf herbal material is hotter thanambient air, it will tend to rise.

Preferably the fluid pathway 509 comprises a thermally conductivematerial and allows for cooling of the vapor emitted from conductiveheating of the loose leaf herbal material and ambient air propagatingtherethrough. Referring to FIG. 2C, the heating chamber 502 comprisesother than a metal material and comprises a ceramic material and theconductive heating element 503 is formed as a unitary construction withthe heating chamber 502. This is advantageous from a manufacturingstandpoint as it allows for the manufacturing of the conductive heatingelement 503 and the heating chamber 502 as a single unit that haselectrical connections for being connected to the first control circuit105.

Referring to FIGS. 1A, 1C and 1D, a method of vaporizing herbal materialis disclosed. The method comprises providing a recharging unit 110comprising a second housing 114 and having disposed therein a secondbattery 111 having a second capacity and coupled with a second controlcircuit 112. It includes providing a vaporization unit 421 comprising ahousing 101 having at least partially embedded therein a first batteryhaving a first capacity, the vaporization unit comprising a heatingchamber 102 disposed at a first end 101 a for receiving of loose leafherbal material 419 and having a second end 101 b with a fluid pathway109 extending from the first end 101 a to the second end 101 b thereof.A conductive heating element 103 is provided and disposed in proximityof the heating chamber 102 proximate the first end 101 a. Loose leafherbal material 419 is inserted into the heating chamber and in thefirst mode of operation, electrically coupling of the first battery 104with the second control circuit 112. Providing of electrical energy fromthe second battery 111 to the first battery 104. In the second mode ofoperation, electrically uncoupling of the first battery 104 from thesecond control circuit 112, physically uncoupling of the vaporizationunit 521 from the recharging unit 110 and providing of electrical energyfrom the first battery 104 to the conductive heating element 103 in acontrollable manner. This results in heating of the loose leaf herbalmaterial 419 to generate vapor 422 therefrom for inhaling from thesecond end of the fluid pathway 109 by the user. This results in acreation of a reduction in ambient air pressure within the fluid pathway109 and creates a flow of ambient air 555 to flow past the loose leafherbal material 419 and mixing with vapor generated as a result of theconductive heating to flow through the fluid pathway 109.

The user inhales a mixture of vaporized loose leaf material 422 andambient air 555 from the second end 101 b. Upon completion, removing theloose leaf herbal material 419 from the heating chamber is performed.Re-coupling electrically of the first battery 104 with the secondcontrol circuit 112 is achieved and in the first mode of operation,recharging of the first battery 104 from electrical current controllablyprovided by the second battery 111 through the second control circuit112.

Advantageously, the embodiments of the invention allow for the looseleaf herbal material, such as tobacco, to be loaded into the heatingchamber proximate the first end of the vaporization unit and to beenjoyed in small doses where it is vaporize as opposed to being burned.Optionally the temperature at which the material is vaporized isadjustable. Advantageously, by having a small heating chamber a shortheating time is provided for heating of the loose-leaf materials.

Advantageously because of small battery the form factor of thevaporization unit 421 is small and it may only provide enough current inthe first battery 104 for one or two full cycles of heating of the looseleaf herbal material 419 prior to require charging of the vaporizationunit 412 first battery 104 using the second battery 111. Having a smallbattery capacity for the first battery 104 allows for the first housing101 to be compact in size and thus having an advantage to the user theyare not exhibiting a large herbal vaporization device.

Furthermore, because of having a small sized heating chamber as well ashaving two batteries, the first and the second battery, the battery lifecan therefore be extended to preferably meet the demands of theconsumer. Furthermore, a capacity of the second battery is larger than acapacity of the first battery. For example the first battery has acapacity of 500 mAH and the second battery has a capacity of 2700 mAh.Thus the second battery facilitates multiple recharges of the firstbattery.

Numerous other embodiments are envisaged without departing from thespirit or scope of the invention.

1.-16. (canceled)
 17. A vaporization device comprising: a housingcomprising a first end and a second end disposed opposite the first end;a heating chamber disposed within the housing at the first end, whereinthe heating chamber is configured to receive loose leaf herbal material;a conductive heating element thermally coupled to the heating chamber,the heating element operable to heat the loose leaf herbal materialreceived within the heating chamber to a vaporization temperaturesufficient to at least partial vaporize the loose leaf herbal material;a fluid pathway extending through the housing between the heatingchamber and the second end of the housing, wherein the fluid pathwaydefines an inhalation aperture proximate the second end of the housingand a chamber aperture coupling the fluid pathway to the heatingchamber; a battery at least partially disposed within the housing; acontrol circuit coupled with the battery and the conductive heatingelement, the control circuit operable to control the flow of electricalcurrent from the battery to the conductive heating element; and a switchcoupled with the control circuit, the switch operable to provide acontrol signal to the control circuit to control the flow of electricalcurrent from the battery to the conductive heating element; wherein thehousing defines a central axis extending from the first end of thehousing to the second end of the housing and a central plane positionedto contain a line coincident with the central axis, wherein the fluidpathway is offset from the central plane and the chamber aperture isalso offset from the central plane; and in use, upon depressing of theswitch, electrical current from the battery is controllably provided tothe conductive heating element and the loose leaf herbal material withinthe heating chamber is heated by the conductive heating element, wherein response to inhalation from the inhalation aperture ambient air isdrawn into the heating chamber and propagates through the loose leafherbal material and vapor emitted from conductive heating of the looseleaf herbal material is mixed with the ambient air and flows togetherthrough the fluid pathway and out of the second end.
 18. Thevaporization device of claim 17, wherein the housing comprises: a firsthousing portion comprising the fluid pathway and the inhalationaperture; a second housing portion comprising the first battery; whereinthe central plane separates the second housing portion from the firsthousing portion.
 19. The vaporization device of claim 18, wherein thefirst housing portion comprises the switch.
 20. The vaporization deviceof claim 17, wherein the housing comprises: a first housing portion; anda second housing portion, wherein the central plane separates the secondhousing portion from the first housing portion; wherein the firsthousing portion comprises the fluid pathway; and in use at least somevapor emitted from conductive heating of the loose leaf herbal materialflows from the second portion to the first portion and into the fluidpathway.
 21. The vaporization device of claim 17, wherein the fluidpathway comprises a thermally conductive material that facilitatescooling of the vapor and ambient air propagating through the fluidpathway.
 22. The vaporization device of claim 17, wherein the heatingchamber comprises a ceramic material, and the conductive heating elementis formed integrally with the heating chamber.
 23. The vaporizationdevice of claim 17, wherein the conductive heating element is thermallycoupled with an inner surface of the heating chamber.
 24. Thevaporization device of claim 17, wherein the conductive heating elementhas an annular shape.
 25. The vaporization device of claim 17, whereinthe heating chamber extends between a first heating chamber end and asecond heating chamber end, wherein the first heating chamber end islocated at the first end of the housing; the heating chamber defines aphyto material receiving surface located at the second heating chamberend; a vapor passageway extends through the housing from an upstream endto a downstream end, wherein the downstream end is positioned at theinhalation aperture and the vapor passageway extends through the heatingchamber and the fluid pathway; and the conductive heating element ispositioned upstream of the phyto material receiving surface.
 26. Thevaporization device of claim 17, wherein the heating chamber defines afirst heating chamber volume positioned on a first side of the centralplane and a second heating chamber volume positioned on the second sideof the central plane, and the first heating chamber volume issubstantially equal to the second heating chamber volume.
 27. Avaporization device comprising: a housing extending longitudinallybetween a first housing end and a second housing end, the housingdefining a central longitudinal axis extending between the first housingend and the second housing end; a heating chamber disposed at the firsthousing end, the heating chamber defining a vaporizable materialreceiving volume, the heating chamber operable to heat vaporizablematerial received within the vaporizable material receiving volume to avaporization temperature sufficient to at least partial vaporize thevaporizable material; an inhalation aperture disposed proximate thesecond housing end; a fluid pathway extending between the heatingchamber and the inhalation aperture, the fluid pathway fluidly couplingthe vaporizable material receiving volume to the inhalation aperture; apower source at least partially disposed within the housing; and anactuator operable to selectively control the flow of power from thepower source to the heating chamber; wherein the housing defines acentral plane; the central longitudinal axis extends along the centralplane; a first housing portion is positioned on a first side of thecentral plane; a second housing portion is positioned on a second sideof the central plane; and the fluid pathway is entirely contained withinthe first housing portion.
 28. The vaporization device of claim 27,wherein at least a majority of the power source is positioned within thesecond housing portion.
 29. The vaporization device of claim 28, whereinthe first housing portion comprises the actuator.
 30. The vaporizationdevice of claim 27, wherein the power source comprises a rechargeablebattery.
 31. The vaporization device of claim 27, wherein the fluidpathway comprises a thermally conductive material that facilitatescooling of vapor and ambient air propagating through the fluid pathway.32. The vaporization device of claim 27, wherein the heating chambercomprises an integral heating element.
 33. The vaporization device ofclaim 27, wherein the heating chamber comprises a heating elementthermally coupled with an inner surface of the vaporizable materialreceiving volume.
 34. The vaporization device of claim 33, wherein theheating element has an annular shape.
 35. The vaporization device ofclaim 27, wherein the heating chamber extends between a first heatingchamber end and a second heating chamber end, wherein the first heatingchamber end is located at the first housing end; the phyto materialreceiving volume comprises a phyto material receiving surface located atthe second heating chamber end; a vapor passageway extends through thehousing from an upstream end to a downstream end, wherein the downstreamend is positioned at the inhalation aperture and the vapor passagewayextends through the heating chamber and the fluid pathway; and a heatingelement is positioned upstream of the phyto material receiving surface.36. The vaporization device of claim 27, wherein the heating chamberdefines a first heating chamber volume positioned on the first side ofthe central plane and a second heating chamber volume positioned on thesecond side of the central plane, and the first heating chamber volumeis substantially equal to the second heating chamber volume.